Silvercrest SSMS Home Espresso Machine Review

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for watching, comments welcome!

[@lemeilleuredurairemix2654]

My brother, who is the best, please?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Dedica is better.@@lemeilleuredurairemix2654

[@shoesrmyhobby]

I've got the Lidl machine for 50€ and bought a bottomless Portalfilter. With the right settings and good beans from a local roaster it's an amazing machine for everday use, especially when you're starting and dont want to go bankrupt. My whole setup did cost about 150-170€ and my coffee experience is awesome. Way better than comparable fully automatic coffe machines in that price range. Absolutely recommend that machine. Also my version doesn't beep 😂

[@tobiazej]

Hey, which model of portafilter did you buy? Would like to get one too but the first one I got does not match the Lidl model (SSMS1350 B2). Thank you

[@porzellantasse9272]

Could you please share the link to the portafilter you bought? :)

[@dyonvangarderen9120]

Yeah pls. Send me some links too! :) I am very interested.

[@Squareblank.]

What size portafilter

[@shoesrmyhobby]

@@Squareblank. 51 mm

[@j.t.1215]

I just adore this channel. I know I can rely on unbiased reviews and cutting edge info. Thank you for this comparison. LOVE it.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks so much! Do you have a Lidl near you? I think they are starting to expand in North America now too.

[@j.t.1215]

​@@TomsCoffeeCornerI don't know. I will check it out though. Really enjoying this channel!!!

[@bigron8308]

This is such a FANTASTIC informative video! Thank you

[@vsilva123]

Thank you Tom, you helped a lot a Brazilian guy with this question in mind. The difference between EOS and Delonghi Dedica in Brazil is much more than 25 bucks, here Dedica has the price twice higher than EOS. But even with this price difference, you brought relevant information and made me think better about Dedica. Here we have another "competitor" that is Oster Compacta Perfect Brew, I don't know if this model is somehow offered in other countries, but the specs for the porta filter and construction itself are very similar, and since this model has a better price in Brazilian market can be a good alternative to Dedica (thinking straight about pricing).

[@dannyyorri2345]

Thanks!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for your support!

[@chryseass.5143]

Ultimate compliment for you Tom, I watched this before I made my morning cappuccino! Entertaining and informative video of another Lidl knock off! Always fun to watch you do a tear down. Now, for coffee!

[@dra8920]

EOS (Silvercrest) costs 1/3 of the price of the Dedica in Brazil, so I think it's very worth it. Puck Screen is a must have/must use for this machine for the reasons showed in the video. The 51mm portafilters from China (Aliexpress) comes with the Dedica measurements so they don't fit the EOS/Silvercrest by default. I managed to bring it to a local metal worker and they removed aprox. 2mm from the "ears" sides and also aprox. 2mm from the top with a Lathe Machine, since it was also screwing in unnecessarily tight. The Dedica portafilter "ears" are not only 2mm wider as stated in the video, but also "fattier"/"bulkier". Now it fits perfectly. Fun Fact 1: The portafilter that comes with the EOS in Brazil is a little different from the one in this Silvercrest in the video, works the same way with the little "filter" inside. IDK if it's a downgrade or an upgrade since it comes with accessories to allow you to use Nespresso and Dolce Gusto pods with the machine, the EOS machine is even promoted as a "3 in 1" (Regular espresso, Nespresso and Dolce Gusto). But it screws in quite loosely so if it may leak from the top if you try a very fine ground with your espresso that will generate more pressure. The Aliexpress portafilter (with 2mm removed) fits properly and it's still tight enough that it will not leak at all. Fun Fact: Brazilian version doesn't come with the beeper, at least mine didn't, so no annoying beeps. So a downgrade that turns up to be an upgrade?!? lol

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for posting your experience! I actually found a PF that fits this machine, from Capfei. I put a link in the video description. I think it's crazy how expensive the Dedica can be in some countries around the world. In the EU it's dirt cheap. Buenos dias! Tomas

[@denchart.r3983]

Wow, I'm amazed that you opened the lid. and test the ground of the machine

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, I had to see what was inside...

[@123Ryanist]

This video is why I really appreciate your KZbin videos. You let's us viewers see what components the espressomaschines have and which is good and which ones are bad. I have done some research of how many espresso machines that are similar to the the De'Longhi Dedica. Some seems to be better some seems to be really bad, but there are so many it is confusing, like which one is compatible with the Dedica's accessories and which are not? But these are some of the ones that I found: • WMF Lumero • KRUPS VIRTUOSO XP442C40 • Severin Espresa Plus Ka5995 • Ariete Moderna 1381 • Tchibo Lapressa • Cecotec Cafelizzia 790 • BEEM ESPRESSO-ULTIMATE • Klarstein Futura Espresso • Gastroback Espresso Piccolo • GRAEF Salita ES400 • Electrolux Explore 6 • SMEG 50's Style

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thank you so much for that list, Ryan! The Smeg by the way, is exactly the same as the Dedica. Just a different skin.

[@123Ryanist]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you Tom. Yesterday I went out and bought a De'Longhi Dedica 😁👍

[@mwaninimakangira7749]

Thanks for this review Tom! I went ahead and bought the Lidl one anyways haha Idk if its a newer version (SSMS1350 B2) , but mine doesn't beep, and the steampipe if very flexible as well. Overall very happy with the decision as its just a bit nicer for the wallet for €50

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Nice one! Sounds like they improved some things!

[@borisoswald293]

Thanks for the informative video, I've seen those Silvercrest machines on sale in my local Lidl. I have a Delonghi EC680 and I'm using 51 mm filter paper circles as an alternative to a puck screen. They improve the taste of the shots, are inexpensive and help to keep the puck intact during knockout. They also keep the shower head clean.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Where do you get the 51mm papers from?

[@scram_resa]

Thank you Tom for the video. The Lidl machine was my first ever espresso machine and I got it on sale for 49€. Couldn't do something wrong for that price and was actually pretty happy with it. It bought a third party portafilter made for the de'longhi dedica though that fitted pretty well. However, I upgraded to the Breville Dual Boiler after six months or so. Love your videos and learn a lot from them. Go ahead and thx again.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Delonghi fit in yours?? It does not fit in this machine, sadly. But I made a video on how to cut the bottom off. How are you liking your BDB?

[@scram_resa]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner yes it did indeed. It's the SSMS 1350 B2 and looks exactly the same. Mine also does not doing any beeping sound. I love the BDB. It's so versatile and makes great espresso. A completely different level for sure 😄

[@gkato]

Nice video! It's hard to see videos about cheaper options like this. I just ordered an EOS as my first machine to see if I like the process. Also, the Dedica can cost up to 3 times so I can stand one or two flaws from the EOS. As long as it doesn't explode, it should be fine! Here it also says that it accepts Nespresso capsules which is something I was looking for for when I'm busy. edit: according to the manual, there's a temperature control accessible after pressing the vapour button for 5 seconds, then choosing the temperature that increases from top to bottom and waiting 3 seconds.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sure, go for it! I know that in some countries the Dedica is stupid expensive. Not sure why that is, but I think it has to do with distribution, and import fees. Cheers!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for watching, comments welcome! Who of you have a Silvercrest SSMS or EOS Premium?

[@steliostheofanou1368]

dedicas espreso is super ,ihad a krups 5620 for many years and never enjoy so good epreso as dedicas.keep on the good work!!

[@lucsilvas]

5:05 Yeah! I saw this EOS selling in Brazil The Dedica can be a tad expensive here Interesting to see a video showing a possible alternative

[@wangouthangout]

Dedica is so common and reliable it's worth looking for one second hand if you're trying to save money. I found one for 50 euro like new and another in really good condition for 75 with an included grinder.

[@sboz6714]

Great educational video about properly-built machines. In theory anyone can build a machine to pull coffee with high pressure and hot water. The hard part is the control system, consistency and quality. Newcomers from China are dominating burr grinders, coffee scales and accessories like portafilters. There are many cheap machines online and big manufacturers should be prepared for competition in the low end.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thank you for your feedback, and for your insight. I totally agree: there tons of new grinders, coming out all the time, along with so many accessories, directly from China and at good prices. I guess I won’t be long before a lot of the Chinese espresso machines start to fill up the market as well. Cheers! Tom

[@whoami724y]

​@@TomsCoffeeCornerthe only cheap chinese espresso machine i know in my country is gemilai, specifically the CRM3605 model. For around $200 you can get 58mm grouphead which means more options in aftermarket parts, you should check it out! Idk any other chinese espresso brands though, and for the price class, it's the only 58mm i know.

[@kellydavis3108]

Competition is always good!

[@Cappa-Gaming]

Do you have a video for the dedica explaining how to do the different mods?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH7coGh3a7KSb80

[@Cappa-Gaming]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thank you Tom!

[@georgelacey6381]

I would guess the Gevi portafilters would work with that machine. They have smaller ears as you described. Nice video.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Wow, you are right! I just bought a 20 bar Gevi for fun, and the silvercrest fits! I didn't realize there were so many aftermarket PFs, but there are. This one from Capfei would fit for a whole bunch of Chinese machines, actually: amzn.to/462j0Ub

[@georgelacey6381]

Yep, I bought a Delonghi PF thinking it would fit and traded the pretty wooden handle to the Capefei stock. It's trial and error buying from AMZ sometimes. Hope your SUmmer is going well. @@TomsCoffeeCorner

[@DavidMorley]

Your summing up is also how I see it. I'd even consider a second hand Dedica for the same or less than the Silvercrest.

[@kovastol6818]

Thanks, good video .

[@Robert-nz3tw]

Did I understand correctly that the original Porter filter with the two holes and put simply the basket from IMS (pressurized basket) inside the original instead the original one with the one hole?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, you can do that, but I don't know if all versions will fit, based on depth. Cheers!

[@satibel]

So basically tl:dw: if you just want a cheap espresso machine (i.e. make espresso) get the silvercrest, if you want a project (i.e. get into espresso making), get the dedica as there's more support.* Note that in my experience, silvercrest has great first party part support and they are usually good quality for the price, so it's actually good if you want something decent that works for a long ish time. * it's also the case for a lot of hobbies, like for 3d printing there's 3d printers that are great to get into 3d printing, and others that are great if you want to print parts.

[@jeet-Seattle]

No problem with weeping Tom, if that cheap machine can do the trick ... thanks

[@Kikaneq]

Mam pytanie, dlaczego mi ten ekspres się tak długo nagrzewa po użyciu spieniacza ?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, the thermoblock has to cool down. Just go back to coffee mode, and open up the water valve on the side of the machine.

[@Robert-nz3tw]

In the Video you say that you have the IMS (H26) basket but the link for Amazon shows the H24??

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Amazon link should also be for the H26. They're all listed under the same link.

[@Robert-nz3tw]

But the 24 fits in this machine? Or should I buy the 26 like yours?

[@claasvandermeer848]

Hey, is it possible to change the Porterfilter and which size Would you recommend? So the Basket Should be 51mm? Help me😂

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, it's 51mm. I think Capfei makes an aftermarket one. Should be linked in the video description. Cheers!

[@claasvandermeer848]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner is it the Same for the Silvercrest SSMS machine? Id Like to Buy a new Portafilter and still Not Sure about the size which is needed!

[@aandreas_n]

Great video Tom! Or just get the Delonghi ECP series which we know pull a superior espresso thanks to your recent comparison video!

[@porcovacco193]

Silvercrest at €49 or the Stilosa 260 one at €99, which is the real deal?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Boy, at just 49 euros, I'd probably take the Silvercrest, and get a Capfei bottomless for it.

[@shoesrmyhobby]

​@@TomsCoffeeCornerthat's what I did

[@botondtomin6682]

I used to have this machine but its really tough. You have a choice with that machine 1. If you wanna have a great brewing time, your espresso shot is gonna taste watery... 2. If you wanna have a bit drinkable espresso, your brew time is going to be sucks, like 30s and got 50g out...

[@furkansaka1072]

Got the same Machine as well an im very happy with it tbh.. But there's still a question in my mind, do u think the Steam Wand upgrade is also possible with this machine? idk why but sometimes the original steam wand is a bit short :D

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It is a bit short, but I don't know about replacing it. I'd have to look into it. Cheers!

[@thiagob.6412]

hi Tom, what's the temperature curve on the Dedica? I got an EOS for 1+yr here in Brazil and had to buy a used but decent bottomless portafilter alongside a tamper and a puck screen to be able to extract decent espressos. In addition to that Ive been usin paper filters at the bottom, so it's paper-coffee-screen. I'm satisfied by now as this machine costs half as much as the Dedica, but I'm looking forward to get a Gaggia Classic. I was thinking of adding a dimmer to my machine but idk Keep up the good work!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think adding a dimmer to the EOS would help a LOT, since the pressure is way too high on that machine.

[@thiagob.6412]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks Tom! I saw your short video on Dedica w/ the dimmer and thought you had a how-to video for installing it :( I had not find any on YT, but anyway your videos are very taughtful and it'd be great to have one from you on that particular subject.I know how to disassemble everything thanks to your video of replacing the steam wand, but I'm not sure I'll know what wire to cut there 😅

[@noahmn4985]

Does puck screen realy make a difference taste wise?(its around 4-5 dollars in my country)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, it helps the shot to extract a bit more evenly. I'd say it makes a slight difference in this case, to mitigate the effects of the poor shower screen design. Cheers!

[@marexmal]

Great video Tom, very detailed! I was always wondering how this Silvercrest compares and is it worth looking at :) I really like that the steam wand can be used simply without panarello and it's powerful enough, but that's all of its pros... And that temperature curve? WTF?! Btw - a new G-shock? ;)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, good eyeball: it is a new G-Shock. :-) Yes, this machine steams like a son of a gun! I would say that is probably its most prominent advantage.

[@NebulaSkins]

Just removed the shower screen on my SSMS 1350 B2, to check if it's compatible with IMS DL200NT.. And it's not :( Different height of the rim. it's much less than IMS. So finally i'm about to sell SSMS for Dedica or ECP upgrade. As you mentioned in the review, the lack or incompatibility of mod-parts is significant for those who want to get the max out of the machine.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for checking! Yes, it's a bummer with aftermarket parts. Also, the SSMS digs a divot into the coffee puck. I think it doesn't distribute the water at all, but lets it burrow down into the coffee bed. It's better to get a better designed machine.

[@darkooo94]

There's a sale right now in my country so I can buy a SilverCrest for 80 EUR vs 180 EUR for DeLonghi - seems like a good deal for SC.

[@porcovacco193]

Silvercrest costs €49 these weeks on lidl Germany

[@darkooo94]

@@porcovacco193 I wish I could get it at this price

[@josephoberlander]

It looks like it hit 103C briefly (101 on the readout), which is definitely scalding the beans. Bad things happen to organic compounds when you get super-heated steam interacting with them. What you taste are VOCs flashing off of the coffee and creating actual bitter and unhealthy compounds. The trick with espresso is that you need to get over 90C but never more than about 95C to be safe. How to fix this? It needs to have actual temperature control of the process. The problem with a thermal block is that if you tell it to stop at, say, 95C, it has residual heat due to the mass of the block. The new ThermoJet ( or similar ) like Breville uses is nice because it heats and cools in seconds, allowing for fine control.

[@ItaloMike84]

My first tought when seeing the Silvercrest in the Lidl leaflet was... 'Hey that's a Dedica!' But hell no, its just the looks. Thanks for another informative vid! You did get a new Sennheiser right? Isnt it 'just' a setting with sound deformation?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Mike! I used a Sennheiser MK4 with my previous video, but with this one, my M50 failed to recognize the external mic input, and recorded instead with the internal mic. Disaster. I had to use Adobe AI to get back to at least audible audio. And yes, this is not a Dedica, but a clever knock off.

[@steviebboy69]

My machine looks similar to this unit except its made for Kmart Australia under their ANKO brand and mine has 4 buttons on the top and a pressure meter on the front of the unit. Mine looks like the Sunbeam unit almost identical except for the meter I think it is the compact barista, only difference there also is the steam wand.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Oh that's interesting. It seems there's a bunch of copies all over the place like this.

[@alexandermashkin2395]

The Best hack to get Highest Quality extraction on dedica is to fill the tank with very hot water. No other way I could get such balanced taste of the drink comparable to one made with professional michienes.

[@andrejluznik5391]

Hi, Tom! I have a Krups Virtuoso, that also looks like a lot similar to the Delonghi... it would be interesting to see a comparison between those two :)

[@gordanbabic8028]

my Dedica from 2020. also has only one water inlet and I don't think it has OPV installed. all the pressure just holds on there until you remove the portafilter and then it sprays all over the place 🙂

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Really? I have 5 Dedicas, and they all have the same system. Hmm, which model number do you have?

[@gordanbabic8028]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner it seems my mind played a trick on me. I was sure I had a single water inlet in the reservoir ... now all of the sudden there is two

[@mohamedsahib9478]

thank you for information ❤❤❤

[@NebulaSkins]

Thanks, Tom, for your videos. They really helpful for novice people, and i'm sure invited lot of people to join the the advanced espresso production world)) I have a question about this Silvercrest machine, which i own for about 2 month (bought for 50 EUR), and enjoying doing espresso using botomless portafilter with IMS basket. So the question is: does it really worth upgrading to Delonghi Dedica? I mean does the taste of espresso significantly differs between these two machines, if were made with similar tools?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, are you using the Silvercrest in advanced mode? Do you have a grinder? These machines are similar if using pressurized baskets, but the Dedica is a fair amount better when doing the unpressurized baskets, as the water distribution is much better, and the temp curve is better too. However, I would suggest the ECP35.31 for even better results.

[@NebulaSkins]

​@@TomsCoffeeCornerYes, sure, i'm using KinGrinder K2, bottomless portafilter with IMS basket. And the reason i'm asking - you the only person i know, who can directly compare Silvercrest vs Dedica, by doing 2 shots at the same settings, same tools, same conditions and compare the taste.. Is the taste of the Dedica shot will be significantly better than Silvercrest? If so, i defenetely need to upgrade to Dedica. UPD: thanks for advicing the ECP35.31, i'll consider it as well.

[@NebulaSkins]

​@@TomsCoffeeCornerBTW, Tom, after checking your other video "Stilosa vs Dedica vs ECP 3420", i compared the temperature profile of the Dedica with Silvercrest in this vid, and it's prettly almost the same (except extreme up to 100 degrees at the end of extracrtion, which possibly may be a measurement error or a special case). I.e. both machines starting from about 92 degrees, then dropping to about 85 during extraction, and increasing temperature next to the end to 90+), very similar istn't it? Which makes me think that possibly Silvercrest may be manufactured at the same chineese factory as Dedica, from almost the same components, just with slight variations and different housing.. At least the controller and the programming functions with buttons looks pretty identical with Dedica. That was the reason i was asked you about direct side-to-side taste test from both machines shots)

[@NebulaSkins]

​@@TomsCoffeeCornerAlso, please check the "thumbs up" count for this vid) It reached the 500! So i hope you'll be able to make a full disassembly and component level compare of Silvercrest vs Dedica)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@NebulaSkins I think the temperature swing on the SSMS is higher than the Dedica. But I did do a comparision side by side in a Short, and found that the component layout is similar, but they are definately different parts. The thermoblock looks different, the OPV is different, the connections are different, and so on. Perhaps I will do a tear down soon enough.

[@serkanyaran640]

Hello Tom. Elektrolux introduced the new espresso machine E6EC1-6ST. It looks like an ambitious machine. Would you consider comparing it to Delonghi? Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Serkan, to me that looks like almost exactly the same design as the Silvercrest. It just has a different control panel, and a better steam wand, as it seems.

[@cihatbozan3694]

Hi tom, I learned a lot because of you. Prices are very expensive in Turkiye and I saw the electrolux e6ec1-6st model, the price is also affordable. I drink 1 cup of coffee a day. Do you have any idea about this product? my budget is 250 dollars😥

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi there! The Elektrolux version looks pretty much the same as the Silvercrest, maybe with a better steam wand design. You're right - a Dedica at Mediamarkt.tr cost 8797 Lira, or 309 euros. What about importing from Amazon.de? Is that possible for you? You can get a Dedica in Germany for just 150 euros. amzn.to/447sZa4 Depends on your import duties of course. But, it's an idea.

[@likatchup]

i got the brazilian variant (eos premium) because the dedica costs about 4 times that one... and honestly it's a pretty ok machine, I think the major problem with this video and the european variation is that you're being overcharged for what it really offers

[@kellydavis3108]

Do you have a video of taking a hacksaw to a portafilter?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes sir: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWSbiGWdj9Cre68

[@josevalenzuela7109]

Where did you find the dedica at 125.-€?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Amazon warehouse deals, or on sale at Amazon.

[@talonfluff]

I know the machine is super cheap, but I think the chassis supposed to be grounded if it's made of metal due to regulations. I'm not really sure. All trough good review. Been curious about that machine since I've seen it so cheap.

[@espacesX]

It think you are right with the effect of the temperature curve of the Silvercrest related to sour and bitter. Sour goes with polyphenols which are highest in concentration at blonde roast and higher at medium roast compared to dark roast. Polyphenols you taste at the start of the extraction (spoon test). Then to the end the bitter aromas are extracted (spoon test). Finally but untypical for a (short) espresso shot the tanning agents (spoon test at a long shot somehow a long Lungo). You can limit the sour polyphenols by higher temperature at the start of extraction...Like De'Longhi does at the Dedica... You will extract more or less Something Like more intense bitter aromas with Higher Temperature at the and of a Typ. Espresso Shot. So that's how De'Longhi Tunes a more balanced espresso. The older Silvercrest Model with the Retro-Design and analog Instrument is known to create a Shot near to the De'Longhi Dedica. A balanced Espresso but as understood with more intensity than the Dedica. Means higher temperature at the end of the espresso shot. The Dedica as I understood had a quite low temperature at the end of a typ. espresso shot. There are proposals how to get control over sourness at espresso and Vollautomaten. Less fine grinding, higher dose and longer shot. If a machine like the look-a-like Dedica by Silvercrest here creates some sourness out of a roast known to be Not critical regarding sourness I would not recommend to select a general higher temperature setting If the machine offers one. Outcome in most cases a less clean aroma-spectrum.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks for that thorough comment! That gives me something to think about. The Dedica however also rises towards the end of the shot. I did some temp reading on my previous video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6HTaYuDrNdpn9k Cheers! Tom

[@chefostrev011]

Can you review silvercrest ssmp 1770 a2? I have a video in my chanel.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Maybe someday. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@pinatapinata7642]

👏👏👏👍👍👍😊

[@BrunoAssarisse]

Well, at least the EOS Premium doesn’t beep 😂

[@j.t.1215]

The Silvercrest seems like a poor relation. YES, we would like a full breakdown. I hope we all can do at *least* 500 likes. You cannot put a price on safety either. "Beep, beep, beep."

[@NoZenith]

Like a sunuvagun 😂

[@markehm941]

They are both a waste of money. Dedica is not worth it in my opinion as an owner.

[@gordanbabic8028]

it served me well for three years (paired with a grinder and unpressurised basket). and it was extremely affordable at the time (160 EUR). now I am switching to Lelit

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I think the Dedica has probably caused thousands of people to get involved with espresso making, so for that reason alone, I would say it’s a good buy. Plus, with the various forums and numerous modifications, it’s quite a nice little machine.

[@markehm941]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Understood, but for me the machine is not about getting people into esspresso and I don't have time to mod consumer level products. So, for people in my niche, I wouldn't recommend as you can't get good coffee out of the box and the pressure is really too high for open bottom portafilters. If your grinder is more expensive than your coffee maker, it doesn't seem logical to me.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@markehm941 I think it's just easier to heat and pressure water, than it is to grind beans. The motor and burrs must cost more to produce than a heater and pump. For reference, the Ulka pump used only costs $20 on Amazon, probably like $5 for the manufacturers. But a nice motor costs money. The grind adjustment mechanism is also mechanically a bit tricky, and I bet that costs money, too.

[@sedky69]

There is no point in buying it if the espresso is not good.